Markus Andrews

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    Finally, You Can Rent Gym Equipment For Home Workouts

    Creating your own gym from scratch is pricey, especially if you’re a treadmill junkie. You’ll often need to buy things month-to-month, adding slowly until you have a dream-worthy squat rack.
    The only other option, until now? Get a gym membership. But a new business, Striide, is out to solve your empty home gym woes by letting you rent gym equipment.
    READ MORE: The 15-Minute Kettlebell Workout That’ll Give You Major Gains
    It started when Brett and Mark Levy, joint CEOs of telecoms company, Blue Label Telecoms, realised lockdown was going to seriously hamper their #gainz. “With gyms closed to the public, and under level 5 restriction of not being able to exercise outside, the dynamic duo was more so motivated to help South Africans to maintain their fitness goals in the comfort of their own homes,” says account director Ems Moipone Tsotetsi.
    Now, you can rent, rent to buy, or outright purchase gym equipment. Options range from all-in-one dumbbells (with a stand) to treatmills to rowing machines. Prices start from R579 for 24 months.
    READ MORE: REVIEW: I Tried A Vibrating Foam Roller PLUS How You Can Win One
    How To Rent Gym Equipment
    Simply visit the website, view the equipment online, and secure your rental. You can rent from any amount of time, including six, 12 or 24 months. Maintenance, delivery and installation are included in rental fees, too.
    READ MORE: 5 High-Impact Sports Bras That’ll Actually Keep Your Boobs in Check

    READ MORE ON: Fitness News More

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    5 High-Impact Sports Bras That’ll Actually Keep Your Boobs in Check

    If your bra size is any bigger than an orange, chances are, finding a proper sports bra to support you when running, jumping and trying to keep up with the svelte trainer is a gargantuan task.
    There just aren’t many options for big-boobed women to choose from. It can be really difficult to find a bra that’s supportive, doesn’t make having bigger boobs a nightmare, and will make us feel super cute.
    We’ve tracked down some high-impact sports bras that can fit up to an extra-large or can be custom-made to suit your needs, and the best part — they’re everything a curvy girl could want! Plus, we’ve slipped a few medium-impact gems in, too. Because we’re not jumping up and down every day, are we?
    Why Wear A *Good* Sports Bra?
    Like many things in life, breasts are pretty complex. They are made up of mostly fat, tissue and ligaments. Because breasts do not contain muscle or are not attached to muscles, they can move independently from the rest of the body and are susceptible to strain. Meaning that our breasts are supported by just skin and ligaments.
    These ligaments, called Cooper’s ligaments, are fragile and once torn, they lose their ability to support the breast leading to pain and saggyness. Women with bigger busts are more likely to have sag due to the skin and ligaments being under more strain because the weight of the breast.
    So, ensure that when choosing a bra, the band is not too tight, there should no spillage or straps cutting into your shoulders… and that you are 100% comfortable.
    READ MORE: Exactly What To Consider When Choosing A Sports Bra
    1/ High-Impact Sports Bras
    High-impact bras are great for high intensity exercises and activities such as running, dance, basketball, kickboxing and HIIT (High intensity interval training).
    PANACHE Ultimate High Impact Underwire Sports BraR 1204Buy It
    This UK-based brand offers support that lowers movement by 83%. Smooth, flat seams eliminate friction and discomfort while the wider straps make for greater support and easing shoulder pressure.
    Lisa Raleigh Body Kind Sports BraR 999Buy It
    This bra is best for changing bodies: women who are losing a large amount of body fat, pregnant women whose bodies are in flux, and anyone else who needs a super-adjustable sports bra. It comes in eight sizes up until 5XL. The chest and shoulder straps are adjustable, with extra hooks in the front to secure the front zip (no more grunting while trying to get your bra off!).
    Asics Color Block Bra IIIR 790Buy It
    A great high-impact bra that’s made from about 78% recycled materials (double yay!) plus broad, breathable straps to keep you supported.
    Under Armour Infinity High Blocked Sports BraR 800Buy It
    This bra incorporates new knowledge that when boobs move, they don’t go up and down, but rather in a figure eight. The padding has this in mind, with adjustable elastic straps and a little more coverage at the front.
    READ MORE: The 6 Best Resistance Bands For Every Type Of Workout, According To Certified Trainers
    adidas TLRD Impact Luxe Training High-Support Bra WomensR 1164Buy It
    These super-detailed bras mould to your breast and keep everything in place while you train. It’s also made with about 60% recycled materials and straps are adjustable. Plus, it’s just so beautiful.
    2/ Medium Impact Bras
    Medium-impact bras still require a fair amount of support for bending over while executing mountain climbers, push-ups and other strength training maneauvres.
    Salomon Essential Move On Seamless Sports BraR 600Buy It
    Seamless construction won’t chafe and the stretch fabric fits most body types and moves with you while you run or work out.
    READ MORE: 11 Best New Running Shoes That’ll Inspire Your Next PB
    adidas PowerImpact Luxe Training Medium-Support BraR 500Buy It
    So many things to love about this bra: the front entry means it’s so much easier to get in and out of, plus the fabric is quick-drying, so you don’t have to look like you’ve emerged from an ocean swim post-sesh.

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    REVIEW: I Tried A Vibrating Foam Roller PLUS How You Can Win One

    Confession: When Women’s Health asked me to review a vibrating foam roller – the Hyperice Vyper 2.0  to be precise – my immediate thought was that it was going to be another gimmicky fitness tool that would end up gathering dust in the cupboard. Turns out, I was wrong.
    Vibrating Foam Roller: First Impression
    At first glance, the Hyperice Vyper 2.0 looks just like a regular foam roller – a solid cylinder about 30cm long. In the box, you also get a charging cable and a number of international plug adaptors.
    On closer inspection, there’s an on/off switch on one end and another button on the other, which controls vibration speed. LEDs indicate that it’s on and as well as its level of charge.

    How It Works
    When you switch it on, the foam roller starts vibrating fiercely, even at its lowest speed (there are three). I found it worked better to get in position first and only then switch it on – otherwise it jumped around on the floor alarmingly.
    Initially, I tried rolling on it but soon discovered that keeping it in one spot was the way to go – the vibrations do all the work that I would usually do by rolling back and forth.
    [embedded content]
    What The Research Says
    There seems to be a decent amount of evidence that the vibes actually work.
    For instance, a small study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that participants using a vibrating roller experienced better range of motion in their hips compared to those using a standard roller.
    And a 2019 study in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that vibrating foam rollers had a substantially bigger effect on pain threshold than standard rollers.
    WH Tests It
    I happened to receive the Hyperice Vyper 2.0 vibrating foam roller at a time when a sciatic nerve issue was hampering my training. I found that positioning the trouble spot (my piriformis) on the roller and then holding still while the vibrations went to work gave me relief.
    I could feel the tension easing but I didn’t experience that close-your-eyes-and-go-to-your-happy-place pressure pain that I’m used to with regular rollers. (Incidentally, research backs this up – using a vibrating roller on sore muscles was shown to have a similar effect to regular rolling but participants found it easier and more comfortable.)
    In the weeks that followed, the universe saw fit to throw more muscular niggles my way – forearm, hamstring, back. Clocking time on the roller provided relief for all of the above. I even used it under my feet, although I found it works best on longer muscles, like the hamstrings. NB: Keep it away from your neck – the vibrations are intense and skull-rattling!
    Verdict
    The benefits of foam rolling are numerous but I tend not to do it as often as I should because a) The pain! and b) It’s a mission. I found I used the vibrating foam roller way more often and got results. It’s a yes from me, although at R2 900, it’s an investment.
    WIN a Hyperice Vyper Go vibrating roller worth R3 000!
    Designed for portability, the Vyper Go is ideal for anyone who travels regularly. It’s TSA approved for hand luggage, has three vibration speeds and two hours of battery life. And you can win one rn!

    How do you enter?
    It’s so easy!
    1. Make sure that you are following us on Instagram @womenshealthmagsa and @hyperice2. Then fill in your details and sign up to our newsletter here or below.3. To be eligible for the prize, you must be over 18 and a South African resident, and follow all the steps above.4. The winner will be randomly selected and notified.

    READ MORE ON: Fitness Gear WH Tests It More

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    Exactly What To Consider When Choosing A Sports Bra

    First, let’s get one question out the way: Do you really need a proper sports bra? After all, it’s a lot of money to fork out for such a tiny piece of fabric. The short answer: Yes. Even if your go-to everyday bra is padded and underwired to the max (hello, cleavage!), it doesn’t offer enough support to withstand your workout.
    According to the Portsmouth University research team, more than 70% of women wear the wrong bra size. When choosing a sports bra, they advise looking for a comfortable fit in five areas: the underband, cups, underwire, centre-front and shoulder straps.
    There are no muscles within the breasts – they’re essentially a collection of fat and tissue held to the body by ligaments and skin – and the issue is that neither of these is especially strong. The connective tissue that holds the breast to the chest is comprised of Cooper’s ligaments, which naturally extend with age and over time – but exercise without supporting them properly and they could stretch up to 2cm during high-intensity workouts.
    READ MORE: Finally! Sports Bras That Don’t Feel Like Freaking Straitjackets
    What’s more, contrary to how your breasts may appear to move up and down as you run, burpee or push press, they actually swing in a figure of eight. It was this discovery that inspired the design of Under Armour’s Infinity bra. Instead of following the traditional method of constructing a sports bra – cutting two breast-shaped cups from a flat piece of padding, glueing and layering pieces of foam – they liquid-injected the foam in a figure-eight (a.k.a. infinity sign) shape, making the bra feel more natural and comfortable without sacrificing support.
    Debbie Risius, senior research associate at Portsmouth University, states that a woman’s choice of sports bra can also influence her breathing rate and thermoregulation during exercise. This is down to the fit of the bra and the fabric from which it’s constructed: a 2013 study found that, while all sports bras reduced the cooling ability of the breast – simply by virtue of being another layer of clothing – sports bras made from polyester allowed for better thermoregulation than bras made from other composite materials.
    Now we’ve established that a sports bra is a worthy investment, here are five things you need to know when choosing a sports bra.
    READ MORE: 5 High-Impact Sports Bras That’ll Actually Keep Your Boobs in Check
    1/ Your Bra Size
    All kinds of things can influence the size of your breasts, from your menstrual cycle to pregnancy to weight loss. Yet most of us still buy bras according to measurements taken years ago. What’s more, not only do your breasts change size – bras can vary in size from brand to brand.

    When to get measured: It’s been more than six months since your last fitting, your body has changed or you’re buying a different brand than your usual. Trying on? Make sure you can’t pull the band more than five centimetres from your chest or the straps more than five centimetres from your shoulders. And make sure the cups fully enclose your boobs.
    READ MORE: The 8 Best Groin Stretches For Anyone Who Sits All Day Long
    2/ Your Workout Style
    When you scope out the sports bras on offer, you’ll notice they’re divided into different categories. Usually these will be called high, medium and low impact or high, medium and low support. This is to help you match your bra to the type of workout you do.
    Your workout: Running, bootcamp, martial arts, boxing, bodyweight training, anything involving jumping or skipping
    You need: High impact. Look for racerback straps and padded or moulded cups. If your breasts are small, you could also you use a medium impact bra.
    Your workout: Cycling, spinning, weight lifting, the gym circuit, hiking
    You need: Medium impact if your breasts are small; high impact if they’re medium to large. Look for broad straps and padding and/or sturdy fabric with a light stretch.
    Your workout: Yoga, Pilates, Barre
    You need: Low impact for small boobs; medium impact for medium boobs; high impact for large boobs. Look for comfortable, stretchy fabric, padding optional, strap width according to your preference.
    3/ The Fabric
    You know that feeling when you walk out of a spinning class and your bra feels like a wet sea creature strapped to your chest? Avoid that sea-sponge feelin’ by choosing synthetic fabrics that don’t hold onto sweat. Words like “moisture wicking”, “breathable” and “ventilation” are what you want to see.

    READ MORE ON: Fitness Fitness Gear Style Style Tips More

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    3 Superfoods To Add To Your Grocery List This Winter 

    Brace yourself… winter has arrived. And with it, a slew of annual colds and flu. To make sure your body is totally prepared, these 3 superfoods are your best bet to keep immunity up and boost your energy levels for when you have to power through rainy days and tough workouts.
    But first things first – let’s break down what a superfood actually is. 
    Superfoods are foods that are nutritionally dense. While the term is a bit ambiguous, the basic gist is that these foods are nutrient-rich and offer an array of health benefits while being low in kilojoules.
    Here, three top superfoods to add to your grocery list this winter. 
    Ginger 
    Ginger is a must-have for an array of reasons. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helps with digestion, boosts your immune system and has even been known to help with morning sickness! There are many other proven benefits to this wonderful spice, but aside from medicinal uses, it also just tastes great (in moderation). 
    Ginger has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries, and it’s easy to understand why. The spice adds a somewhat sweet, spicy taste to any dish. You can enjoy ginger in juice form, in your dinner, on your morning oats, or even on its own. It is super versatile and will add some pizzaz to whatever you choose to use it in – and you’ll be boosting your immune system while you’re at it. It’s the perfect addition to any winter meal.  
    Citrus 
    When you think citrus fruits, you probably think vitamin C – and that’s correct. But there’s much more to these zesty superfoods than their vitamin C content. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, are an excellent source of fibre, contain an abundance of minerals (like magnesium and potassium), and are incredibly low in calories. 
    There are a variety of citrus fruits to choose from, but some of our personal favourites include oranges, clementines, naartjies, grapefruits, and a classic lemon. Just like ginger, these fruits are incredibly versatile and cater to an array of taste buds. They are incredibly tasty on their own but can also add a great kick to a meal. You could combine citrus juice with some ginger juice for a tasty, immune-boosting drink that will help you kickstart every winter morning.
    Squash 
    During the winter months you can never go wrong with a creamy butternut soup or some fluffy pumpkin fritters, amongst other tasty squash recipes. The great news? Not only is squash (in all its many wonderful forms) a delicious winter comfort food, it’s also healthy! This will depend on how you choose to serve it of course, but squash on its own is actually a great source of fibre. It also comes with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 
    Squash is easily one of the most versatile winter ingredients; it can be enjoyed in soups, purees, pastas, roasts, or on its own. Adding some squash to any winter meal is a super easy way to make sure your body is full of nutrition and ready to tackle the cold. 
    Some other worthy additions to this list of winter superfoods include: carrots, beetroot, kale, sweet potato, and avocado – to name a few. 
    There are so many ways to enjoy winter superfoods. If you focus on including fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices in your winter diet, you’ll be giving your immune system the upper hand when it comes to handling the cold. So be sure to keep eating the rainbow!

    Win with Herbalife!
    This season, we’re giving you even more reasons to get healthy despite the weather. We’re giving five lucky people a Herbalife hamper with everything they’ll need to get in shape, to the value of R2700. The lucky winners will receive:

    1 x Herbalife shaker
    1 x Aloe concentrate drink
    1 x Multifibre
    1 x Vegan protein drink mix
    1 x Tea extracts
    1 x Shake mix
    1 x Yoga mat
    1 x Yoga ball
    1 x Bag

    How To Enter
    Entering will only take a minute.
    1. Make sure that you are following us on Instagram @womenshealthmagsa and @herbalifesouthafrica.2. Stay tuned to the @womenshealthmagsa Instagram page on 23rd June for the competition post.3. Like the post, tag a friend in the comments, and share it to your Instagram story – tagging @womenshealthmagsa and @herbalifesouthafrica.4. The winner will be randomly selected and notified.5. The competition will run from 23rd June – 4th July 2022.6. Terms and conditions apply.

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    Caley Jäck’s Simple Formula For Sticking To A Healthy Lifestyle

    If you’re anything like a normal person, you’d almost always pick a pizza over a salad. Or an extra hour’s nap over waking up early to work out. And like any normal person, you’d still much rather resemble the glowy, sculpted goddess that is our cover girl and Les Mills trainer Caley Jäck. But to achieve this physique and look amazing, there’s a certain amount of resilience that comes with sticking to a healthy lifestyle.
    Of course, queries from people wanting to carve out such a healthy lifestyle are not unheard of for Caley, who’s been a fitness trainer for a long time. She’s also a pre-and post-natal instructor, and many women seek a return to their bodies before giving birth. Here, we’ve teased out bits of wisdom from our interview with her to reveal a down-to-earth approach that shapes her habits – and can help you, too.
    1. Keep It Simple
    A lot of modern-day weight loss and health messaging can be conflicting, misleading and downright confusing. There are so many superfood blends, protein powders and supplements that you’d be forgiven for not knowing where to start. “Keep it as simple as possible,” says Caley. “If it’s creating too much anxiety to integrate into your week, why implement that?” If you can’t find the time to cook a full breakfast, find a way to make it quick and easy, like a fast smoothie or overnight oats.
    READ MORE: Calories Vs Nutrients: What You Need To Know About Losing Weight
    2. See To Your Baseline
    When it comes to supplements, powders and health tonics, Caley is reluctant to jump on the bandwagon. “I really feel that you need to prioritize your baseline nutrition,” she says. “If you can’t consume a full meal, a protein shake is maybe the best way to get your body to absorb [nutrients]. Do that because it works for your lifestyle,” says Caley. “But don’t let that be your meal replacement. Rather try and if possible, prioritize a good, wholesome plate of food.”
    READ MORE: Can CLA Safflower Oil Supplements Really Help You Lose Weight?

    3. Spend Time Learning About Portion Sizes
    “I’ve never been one that’s able to follow a diet or like an eating plan as such,” says Caley. “I do find there is a benefit in learning more about how to balance your macros.” While physically cutting and measuring portions might be too finicky for you, a simple chart about the correct portions of food goes a long way in figuring out a good balance on your plate. For Caley, this means happily allowing herself to have a muffin – with butter and cheese – but halving her portions. She demonstrates with her plate: “So like okay, I’m not going to have this whole piece of butter. But I’m going to have that section of butter because that is proportion to what my body needs,” she says. Focusing on what your body needs rather than what you want can be a big driver of change.
    READ MORE: I Tried The Planet Fitness FitBuddy App – Here’s What I Think
    4. Commit To The Change
    If you’re trying to stick to a healthy lifestyle, you’ll have to accept that it’ll be uncomfortable for a little while. But that’s the case with any change. “I feel like if you create a of change within your lifestyle, and you integrate that every day, that’s when it becomes habitual. And when it’s habitual, you don’t have to think about it,” she says. “Anything that requires change takes time and it feels uncomfortable in the beginning. But if you’re wanting to create change, and if you’re wanting to hit certain goals, you need to create change.”

    READ MORE ON: Health Goals Healthy Eating Tips Weight Loss Tips More

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    This 12-Minute Workout Is All You Need To Burn Fat — Yes, Really

    If your life is an endless juggling act of work, kids, chores and social commitments (jokes, who has time for those?) the idea of trying to squeeze in a fitness habit may seem impossible.
    But what do we say to the crazy schedule that tries to rob us of our gains? “Not today!” This workout is from trainer Krista Stryker, mastermind of 12 Minute Athlete workouts. Her workouts use zero equipment aside from your own body weight and a timer, which you can get from your phone.
    This 12 Minute Athlete workout takes almost no time at all, but will still score you all the fat-burning, muscle-sculpting results you’re after.
    How it works
    The catch? You have to work your butt off. “In order to get the maximum benefits of HIIT (high-intensity interval training), you really do have to work really hard – up to 80-90% of your maximum capacity. You should basically feel like you’re sprinting during each work period and aim to go as fast as you can while keeping good form,” says Stryker. “HIIT workouts should be pretty intense, and if you’re working out for much more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time, you’re most likely doing a moderate intensity workout, not a high intensity one,” she says.
    READ MORE: Caley Jäck’s Simple Formula For Sticking To A Healthy Lifestyle
    Got it? Here’s your workout…
    You’ll need: A timer
    Do the following exercises in order. Perform as many reps as you can with good form in 30 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. Do three rounds total, never resting longer than 10 seconds. If you’re relatively new to HIIT workouts, do this routine no more than two or three days a week, but do light activity like walking on the other days.
    More advanced? You can do the workout four or five days a week – but be sure to take one full rest day. For best results, Krista recommends you supplement your workouts with moving more in everyday life – take the stairs, go for a walk at lunchtime or catch up with friends over a hike rather than lunch.
    READ MORE: I Tried The Planet Fitness FitBuddy App – Here’s What I Think
    Make it work for you
    Working out at super high intensity isn’t a good idea for beginners. If you’re just starting out, get used to moving first, says Krista. For six months, aim to walk every day or cycle a few days a week before you dial it up. Similarly, if you’re susceptible to joint injuries – or are currently injured – you’re better off swapping all the jumping for lower impact moves.
    You can also tailor any move to suit your fitness level. Can’t do a push-up? Make it easier by placing your hands on a higher surface like a chair or counter top. Body weight push-ups way too easy? Add a band to increase resistance or get plyometric with clapping or even superman push-ups. Need motivation to push harder? Count your reps during each interval and write them down. Next time you do the workout, try to beat your previous reps.
    READ MORE: A 4-Week Home Workout Plan To Get Fit And Strong AF
    Your moves
    1/ Burpee tuck jumps
    From standing, squat down and jump your feet back into the top of a push-up. Do one push-up. Immediately jump your feet back towards your hands, then jump straight up as you tuck your knees towards your chest. That’s one rep.
    [embedded content]
    2/ Push-up plank jumps
    Start in the top of a push-up position with your shoulders directly over your hands. Push through your shoulders as you tighten your abs, glutes and quads. Lower your chest towards the floor. You should aim to touch or almost touch your chest to the floor while keeping your gaze slightly in front of your hands. Push yourself back up to start, then immediately jump your feet forward towards your hands while keeping your core tight. Jump your feet back to start. That’s one rep.
    Too hard? Place your hands on an elevated surface such as a countertop or bench. The higher the surface, the easier the exercise will be.
    [embedded content]
    READ MORE: This 15-Minute Skipping Rope Workout Will Transform Your Arms And Abs
    3/ Snowboarder jumps
    Start in a squat position with one hand reaching towards the floor. Jump up as high as you can, rotating 180 degrees midair. Land back in a squat position, reaching towards the floor with the opposite hand. That’s one rep. Alternate directions on each rep.
    [embedded content]
    4/ Pike jumps
    Start in a piked position with your hands on the floor in front of you about shoulder-width apart. Jump your feet up as far as possible and land on one side. Trying not to pause, immediately jump to other side. Continue alternating.
    [embedded content]
    5/ Side lunges
    Stand straight with your legs wider than hip-width apart. Bend one knee and lower down as far as you can to one side while keeping the other leg straight to the side. Return to start and repeat on the other side. Continue alternating.
    [embedded content]
    6/ Split leg V-up combo
    Lie on your back with your arms straight above your head and your legs straight. Pull your belly button towards the floor, then raise your right leg as you reach both arms towards your right foot at the same time. Lower back down, then repeat on the left side. Next, raise both legs up at once as you reach your hands towards your toes. That’s one rep.
    [embedded content]

    Want more 12 Minute Athlete workouts? Krista’s 12 Minute Athlete app is free for download, then choose which workouts you’d like to purchase, from R15 each. You can also download the 12-Minute Athlete Timer app, totally free.

    READ MORE ON: 15 Minute Workouts Bodyweight Workouts Fat Burning Workouts Fitness HIIT Workouts More

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    Supercharge Your Winter Workouts With These 5 Superfoods

    Training through the cold winter months can be quite challenging. Unlike the warm summer months, winter training demands a bit more energy from your body — along with truckloads of motivation and consistency! Joining an active community, or working with a programme designed to help you reach your goals, are two ways Virgin Active can help to keep you going. The rest is up to your body, how you fuel it and eeerrr, your discipline levels.
    Keeping your body fuelled with healthy foods before and after a winter workout is very important. However, too often, on-the-go options contain sugar or are high in calories that won’t fuel your body with the proper energy, nutrients and fibre that it needs to perform at its best. So instead of getting stronger, faster, you’ll find it harder to recover after workouts — and you may even become more susceptible to illnesses and injury. And we’re certain that wasn’t the initial goal! 
    Fortunately, there is a wide range of superfoods to choose from that can exponentially supercharge your winter workout — and take you from shivering to sizzling. 
    Below is a list of the best superfoods, curated by our friends at Virgin Active, that can be found in some of the delicious options on offer at Kauai. The best part, it’s right inside the club.

    1. Ginger
    One of the superfoods on this list that is truly deserving of the title. Ginger is packed with nutrients and boasts wide-ranging health benefits, hence it’s a staple in many green juices. Ginger helps minimise inflammation, reduces nausea and its blood-thinning properties can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But most importantly, ginger can help boost immunity due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties – very NB during winter months. Get your boost of ginger in Kauai’s Ginger Shot. Alternatively, try their delicious Floo Juice which fuses ginger with orange, carrot, lemon, ginger and cayenne pepper.
    2. Red Peppers
    Think citrus fruits have the most Vitamin C of any fruit or vegetable? Think again. Red peppers contain twice as much Vitamin C as that found in citrus fruits. Vitamin C is important for boosting immunity, improving digestion and maintaining a healthy weight. FYI: The spicy peppers rev up your metabolism and suppress your appetite. Evidence also suggests that cayenne pepper—made from red peppers—can help clear congestion and relieve headaches. You can get a great cayenne pepper kick from the red peppers in Kauai’s Thai Crunch Salad Bowl or Spicy Burrito Wrap.
    READ MORE: Why A Boxing Workout Is A Quick Route To A Shredded Body
    3. Raw Nuts
    Raw nuts can lower bad cholesterol, control blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. They are a great source of Omega-3, while being rich in Vitamin E, antioxidants and magnesium. Nuts can also help improve the lining of your arteries and reduce the risk of developing blood clots. If you need a snack that packs a powerful punch before a workout, don’t hesitate to pick up a snack pack of Kauai’s Raw Mixed Nuts or grab a delicious Nut Milk Smoothie post-workout. The Almond Nut Porridge is also a guaranteed way to start your day with a bang. 

    4. Cinnamon
    A very common household ingredient, cinnamon is essential for producing healthy red blood cells and also helps reduce spikes in blood sugar levels—a common occurrence for many after a sweat sesh! Cinnamon also has probiotic properties that support gut health, therefore aiding with digestion and serving as a natural immune booster due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Packed with cinnamon, Kauai’s Plant Porridge Pot will give you a warm start to your winter workout. Their Cinna-Bomb Smoothie is also a great option if you’re looking for a yummy cinnamon kick. 
    5. Chicken Is A Winter Winner
    Bet you weren’t expecting to see chicken on a superfoods list, huh?! Sometimes, a healthy comfort food after a gruelling winter workout is just what the body needs. Chicken is high in vitamin B-6. About 85 grams of lean chicken meat contains 40 to 50 percent of your daily recommended amount of B-6. Vitamin B-6 plays a key role in many of the chemical reactions that take place in the body. It’s also vital to the formation of new and healthy red blood cells. Not only is Kauai’s Butta Chicken satiating, it’s also packed with essential proteins. For a spicier option, opt for a Cajun Chicken Quesadilla.
    When fuelling your body, every bite matters. A combination of the above nutrients—mixed with locally-sourced fresh, raw ingredients and eaten regularly—will make these superfoods the nutritional powerhouses that help sustain you through the long winter ahead.
    Check out the delicious Kauai superfood options available at your nearest Virgin Active Club, right now.
    Even better, if you sign up in June, you’ll qualify for a free smoothie every day for 30 days to help get you through the winter slump. Click here for more information or to sign up.

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